Islamabad, Pakistan – Afghan journalist Samim Naimi has been detained by Pakistani police in Islamabad and is being held at a temporary detention facility, raising concerns he may be deported to Afghanistan, which is currently under Taliban rule. The detention was reported by a media advocacy group.
Detention and Current Status
According to a statement released by the Afghanistan Media Support Organization (AMSO), Naimi was detained Wednesday evening in Islamabad’s B-17 neighborhood. He has been transferred to Haji Camp, a facility where authorities typically hold Afghan refugees for one to two days prior to deportation.
AMSO stated that Naimi has an official letter from the French Embassy in Islamabad confirming his immigration case is under review and explicitly requesting he not be deported to Afghanistan. The organization warns that a forced return to Afghanistan would place Naimi at serious risk.
International Concerns and Advocacy
AMSO has strongly condemned the arrest, characterizing it as a violation of human rights, refugee protection principles, and freedom of expression. The organization is urging intervention from the UNHCR, the French government, the European Union, and Reporters Without Borders to secure Naimi’s release.
AMSO also called for accelerated relocation of Afghan journalists to safe third countries, citing ongoing insecurity in neighboring Pakistan and Iran. Rights groups report that dozens of Afghan journalists have been deported from both Pakistan and Iran in recent years.
Reporters Without Borders has reported that nearly 200 Afghan journalists are currently awaiting third-country visas in Pakistan, and at least 20 have been deported in 2025 alone. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for a halt to deportations and for Western countries to expedite resettlement processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AMSO?
AMSO is the Afghanistan Media Support Organization, a media advocacy group that reported on the detention of Samim Naimi.
Where is Samim Naimi currently being held?
Samim Naimi is currently being held at Haji Camp in Islamabad, Pakistan, a facility used to hold Afghan refugees before potential deportation.
What is the French Embassy’s position on Naimi’s case?
The French Embassy in Islamabad has issued a letter confirming that Naimi’s immigration case is under review and requesting that he not be deported to Afghanistan.
What steps will be taken next regarding Naimi’s case remains uncertain. International organizations could respond to AMSO’s call for intervention, potentially engaging with Pakistani authorities. Pakistan could proceed with deportation, or it may reconsider its position based on the French Embassy’s request and international pressure.
